View full sizeExpress-Times File PhotoJohn Callahan is hosting a free spaghetti dinner to kick off his campaign petition drive.Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, a Congressional candidate in the 15th District, is hosting a petition kickoff dinner Wednesday night in Allentown.

The event will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 375, 1201 W. Liberty St., according to a news release. A free spaghetti dinner will be served at the event, the release says.

Callahan, a Democrat challenging incumbent Republican Charlie Dent, says, "Our campaign is a grassroots effort.This kick-off event will be one of our most important steps on the road to victory."

This is the first day candidates were allowed to circulate petitions for 2010 primary races. The petitions are due March 9. The primary is May 18.

The 15th District Democratic primary is not contested, but plenty of others are.

Four candidates are vying to replace retiring state Rep. Rich Grucela. Frank Scagliotta and former Northampton County Councilman Charles Dertinger want spots on the Democratic ballot and Joseph Emrick, chairman of the Upper Nazareth Township supervisors, and Roseto Councilman Craig DeFranco are seeking spots on the Republican ballot.

Two other candidates -- Democrat Joe Capozzolo and Republican Donald Albanese -- have expressed interest in Grucela's seat, as well.

Incumbent Arlen Specter and Congressman Joe Sestak are vying for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate; Congressman Joe Hoeffel, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and State Auditor Jack Wagner want to run on the Democratic ticket against Republican Tom Corbett for governor.